The European Olympic Committees (EOC) Executive Committee (ExCo) met for the third time this year on 5 June in Bucharest, Romania, ahead of the organisation’s 53^rd General Assembly on 6 and 7 June.

Led by President Spyros Capralos, the ExCo agenda was full of important updates and reports from the EOC leadership, including Secretary General Raffaele Pagnozzi, Treasurer Peter Mennel and newly-appointed CEO Dr Jan Lehmann.

A key highlight of the meeting was the update on Istanbul’s candidacy for the 2027 European Games. The ExCo members reviewed the latest developments, including the proposed sport programme, and discussed the city’s robust preparations and plans to host the fourth edition of Europe’s premier multi-sport event.

Furthermore, the ExCo received information on preparations for the upcoming European Youth Olympic Festivals (EYOF). Detailed reports covered the Winter EYOF in Bakuriani, Georgia, and the Summer EYOF in Skopje, North Macedonia, both to be held in 2025. Additionally, the ExCo evaluated proposals to host the 2027 editions of the EYOF and heard of interest already expressed for the 2029 events, highlighting the strength and significance of the Festival for Europe’s young athletes.

Reflecting the growing anticipation for the Olympic Games in Paris, the ExCo members expressed their excitement and optimism. Discussions underscored the importance of the Games for the European sporting community and the opportunities it presents for athletes across the continent.

All the pictures can be found here.

In addition to the ExCo meeting, President Capralos joined ExCo member and Romanian Olympic and Sport Committee President Mihai Covaliu and President of the Romanian National Sports Agency and five-time Olympic gold medallist Elisabeta Lipă in meeting Prime Minister of Romania Marcel Ciolacu on the evening of 4 June at Government House. President Capralos is scheduled to meet the President of Romania Klaus Iohannis on 6 June, alongside International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach, IOC Member Octavian Morariu and President Covaliu.